TCL 10 Plus vs Google Pixel 4a 5G: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity, software experience, and camera quality, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift, and Google’s image processing delivers consistently excellent photos. However, the TCL 10 Plus remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who don't require 5G.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 10 Plus | Google Pixel 4a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, August | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 72.9 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Quick Charge 3 | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Stand-by | Up to 330 h (2G) / Up to 330 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, Violet | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | T782H | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.32 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -85.5dB / Crosstalk -83.3dB | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1031:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB | - |
TCL 10 Plus
- Potentially larger display for media consumption
- More affordable price point
- Snapdragon 665 offers decent efficiency
- Older Snapdragon 665 chipset lacks 5G support
- Less refined software experience
- Camera performance likely inferior to Pixel
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Superior camera performance with Google’s image processing
- Clean and regularly updated Android experience
- Smaller display size
- Higher price tag
- Snapdragon 765G can be more power-hungry
Display Comparison
The TCL 10 Plus boasts a larger display, but lacks detailed specifications regarding its panel type or peak brightness. The contrast ratio of 1031:1 suggests a standard IPS panel. The Pixel 4a 5G, while smaller, benefits from Google’s display calibration, likely offering more accurate colors. The absence of high refresh rate support on either device is typical for this price bracket, but the TCL's larger size may be preferable for video streaming. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively declare a display winner, but the Pixel's color accuracy is a likely advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Pixel 4a 5G leverages Google’s renowned computational photography. While specific sensor details are missing for the TCL 10 Plus, the Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google’s image processing algorithms, resulting in superior dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The TCL 10 Plus likely relies more heavily on hardware, while the Pixel prioritizes software optimization. The Pixel’s ability to consistently produce high-quality images with minimal effort gives it a distinct edge, especially for casual users.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, represents a significant architectural leap over the TCL 10 Plus’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 765G’s Kryo 475 cores, particularly the 2.4 GHz Prime core, deliver substantially faster processing speeds. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 765G also integrates a 5G modem, a feature absent in the TCL 10 Plus. While both phones utilize an octa-core configuration, the 765G’s superior architecture and process node provide a clear performance advantage, benefiting users who engage in demanding tasks or mobile gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is a complex equation. The TCL 10 Plus’s battery capacity is unknown, but its Snapdragon 665 is more power-efficient than the 765G in the Pixel 4a 5G. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0 support offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the TCL 10 Plus’s Quick Charge 3.0. The faster charging speed of the Pixel mitigates the potential battery life disadvantage, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device. Without knowing the TCL 10 Plus's battery capacity, it's difficult to definitively say which phone offers better overall battery endurance, but the Pixel's charging speed is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 Plus if you need a large display and are primarily focused on media consumption and basic smartphone tasks, and are comfortable with a less refined software experience. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, a superior camera system, and a clean, regularly updated Android experience, even if it means paying a premium.